Mac OS

Introduction

The following information is related to the Mac operating system. Hopefully the tips, tricks, and software listed below will improve your Mac experience.

Getting Started

Keyboard Commands

The following commands can be used anywhere, anytime:

  • Command+Space - Opens Spotlight.
  • Command+Shift+3 - Snapshots the entire screen, automatically saving the image to desktop.
  • Command+Shift+4 - Snapshots a screen region of your choice (press spacebar to highlight a select window). Automatically saves the image to desktop. Additional tips here.

Tips and Tricks

Security

  • Dashboard Widget Security - Dashboard widgets have the potential to be Trojan horses if you are not careful. This article discusses the security ramifications of using dashboard widgets.

QuickLook Plugins

The following plugins enhance the default behavior of QuickLook:

  • Folder List - Adds a detailed file listing to folders when being viewed.
  • Zip Viewer - Allows one to view the contents of a zip file.

Dashboard Widgets

  • Lorem Ipsum - Easily copy auto-generated text to your clipboard for use in testing your web design.

Applications

The following is a list of useful applications for the MacOS:

  • Vienna - A free, fast, and lightweight feed reader.
  • Quicksilver - As noted on the Quicksilver home page: “A unified, extensible interface for working with applications, contacts, music, and other data.” Check out LifeHacker’s Quicksilver Tips for further information.
  • Growl - A notification system for applications that support Growl. Consider downloading and installing the iPhonesque Growl theme too. Finally, check out this tip for closing multiple notifications at once.
  • OmniFocus - Stay organized using the Getting Things Done method.
  • Evernote - Capture information be it pictures, web, audio, etc. on multiple platforms, including mobile, with the ability to search, organize and retrieve this information at a later date.
  • VMWare Fusion - Run Windows within the MacOS.
  • Parallels Desktop - An alternative to VMWare Fusion (mentioned above). Check out a related LifeHacker article.
  • SnapzProX - A screen capture/screen cast application.
  • iShowU - A screen capture application.
  • Skitch - A screen capture application.
  • RadioShift - Allows one to aggregate and record radio stations so that you can listen to them when you want.
  • Audio Hijack Pro - Enables you to listen to audio when and how you want.
  • Fission - An audio editor that supports multiple formats: MP3, AAC, Apple Lossless and AIFF.
  • Wiretap Studio - Record audio from any application including inputs from USB, fireware, etc.
  • Airfoil - Enables you to send audio from any application (including the web) and send it to other network connected computers and devices.
  • Nicecast - Broadcast music or whatever across your home network or to the world wide web.
  • WinSwitch - Fast user switching.
  • Delicious Library - An inventory program for your movie, music, gadget, game collection and more. Connects to Amazon to look up information on what you have purchased. Uses the built-in iSight webcam on your laptop to scan bar codes to quickly enter information.
  • Netflix Freak - A desktop application for managing your movie rentals from Netflix.
  • iLAS - A CD to MP3 ripper that focuses on getting the best quality sound captured in an MP3.
  • Toast - A CD/DVD burning application.
  • HandBrake - A DVD ripper.
  • Mac the Ripper - A DVD ripper.
  • Carbon Copy Cloner - Disk backup utility.
  • iStumbler - A wireless discovery and visualization tool.
  • Seashore - A free but basic image editor.
  • Pixelmator - An decent image editor for those who don’t want to spend money on Photoshop. Cost: $59.
  • Photomatix - An image editor dedicated to exposure blending and tonal mapping. Cost: $99.
  • Hugin - A free panoramic photo stitcher application.
  • iStat Menus - Adds customizable system diagnostics to your menu bar that is easier to use than the default system monitor application.
  • iBackup - A backup utility to help ensure that you don’t loose your important files.
  • SuperDuper - A backup and disk cloning utility.
  • RapidoSerial - Stores information about your applications (i.e. keys, licenses, etc.) in a safe and secure manner.
  • 1Password - A password manager for all your online accounts. Works with multiple web browsers and machines.
  • Caffeine - Adds a one-click button in your menu bar to disable screen savers, suspend mode, screen dimming, etc. Great for presentation or situations where you want your machine to stay awake.
  • iTerm - A free replacement to the default Terminal application. Supports multiple tabs, session bookmarks, Growl notification, windows customization, etc.
  • ClamXav - Free virus software.
  • Perian - The “swiss-army knife for QuickTime”. Adds additional video support that does not come with QuickTime.
  • TrueCrypt - Free software for encrypting and securing your data.
  • You Control: Tunes - Adds playback control as well as other features for iTunes to your menu bar.
  • Cashbox - Free but basic software for financial accounting.
  • MoneyWell - A financial application that claims to be more user friendly that Quicken when in comes to managing your income and expenses. Cost: $40.
  • Secrets - Enables one to tweak hidden OS features.
  • StartupSound - Adds a system preferences pane that allows you to mute or adjust the volume of the MacOS startup sound.
  • Times - A feed reader that is easy on the eyes.
  • Flow - A FTP client for the Leopard OS.
  • A Better Finder Rename - Many claim that this is the best app out there for renaming files. Cost: $25.

Development